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Turkish Parliament approves Internet censorship law

ANKARA, Turkey, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- The Turkish Parliament approved of a new law that allows government entities to block access to websites, a move critics say is a violation of human rights. 

The law allows the transportation, maritime affairs and communications minister to block websites without first obtaining a court order, Today's Zaman reported Wednesday.

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The Telecommunications Communication Presidency will also be authorized to block a website if there is a request concerning the violation of the right to privacy.

The Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association said the new law could pose problems in preserving human rights.

Critics said the new law could prevent dissidents and citizen journalists from sharing information about social or political activity, the newspaper said.

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